Flood Concerns Grow In Bucks County

LOWER MAKEFIELD Twp., Pa., (CBS) — The winter warm-up is leading to a rising tide of concern about flooding.

The rain and ice melt could be especially problematic.

Much of the Delaware River is still covered in the grips of an ice jam. But now with the warmer weather moving in, flood concerns are growing.

Emergency management officials this weekend will be keeping watch up and down the river. As temperatures rise, so will the water.

Earlier this week, there was a mile-long ice jam along the Delaware River caused by this arctic cold. In fact, it required two 65-foot Coast Guard tugboats to clear the river of the ice jam (See Related Story).

With temperatures expected to be very warm, possibly in the 60’s on Saturday and you add to that some heavy rain that is expected and there is a concern all of this ice will melt rapidly creating flooding problems. how much or how little isn’t clear.

With temperatures expected to be very warm, possibly in the 60’s on Saturday mixed with some heavy rain, there is a concern all that ice will rapidly melt upstream forcing some possible flooding issues here in Bucks County. How much or how little isn’t clear.

There is also a concern that all of the ice could clog up the river, forcing the water to spill over the banks.

A flood watch will go into effect Saturday morning and will last throughout the day.